Arnold’s versatility proves key in Waccamaw run to state title
As any parent will tell those who ask, there is no “one-size-fits-all” guide to raising a child.
In the same vein, coaches must employ varied training methods and forms of motivation depending on the athlete.
Having trained dozens of athletes, certain tried and true methods have served Waccamaw track coach Bill Peterman well over the course of his career. But with one the like of Briley Arnold, those customary, simple approaches just wouldn’t do.
“She’s really a unique athlete, and has a unique situation,” Peterman said. “(Arnold) runs the relay and then runs the hurdles as well, so it’s a tough ask in regard to training her for a pair of drastically different type of events.”
Much like the unique training methods employed by Peterman for his star pupil, Arnold has rewarded him with exemplary results.
The Warriors’ sophomore standout earned a trio of gold medals in May at the state track meet, winning the 100- and 400-meter hurdle events, in addition to being a member of the state champion 4x800-meter relay team. Her contribution proved key in Waccamaw claiming the Class AA girls track title.
It is also why Arnold is being honored as The Sun News’ 2016 Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year.
“It really is a nice honor,” Arnold said. “My main goal was to keep my title in the 400 hurdles, while really wanting the 100 hurdles and the 4x800 event.
“To get the three of them truly meant a lot. To be able to help out and play a role in us winning a state championship is awesome.”
According to Arnold, work began not with the start of track season, but last fall by running cross country.
“It really helped a bunch, because with certain events that I specialize in, you need not only speed and pace but also stamina and endurance,” she said.
Such came in handy as she helped lead the Waccamaw 4x800 relay team to a state title. However, competing in the 100- and 400-meter hurdles events prompted her to utilize her speed, patience and concentration, knowing any false step could have terrible consequences.
Having waited all season to run her best race, the local track star finally put it all together when she needed it most at the state track meet.
“I was not stuttering, my technique was great ... I finally got in all three steps (in the 400 hurdles),” Arnold said. “But the 100 hurdles is likely the one I’ll cherish most, mainly since (the win) came as a surprise.”
While serving as a key cog on what proved to be a state winning track team, Arnold said there is still plenty for her to work on and goals to strive for.
“My goal is to continue to get better, and let my talent and skills take me to college,” she said.
Joe L. Hughes II: 843-444-1702, @thejournalist44
Editor’s note
This is the fifth installment of an eight-day series featuring the spring Toast of the Coast teams. Tomorrow: Boys track.
The team
Athlete of the Year
Briley Arnold
School: Waccamaw
Class: Sophomore
Notable: State champion in the 100- and 400-meter hurdles, member of Waccamaw girls’ state champion 4x800-meter relay team and helped lead the Warriors to a Class AA state title.
Amelia Jones
School: Waccamaw
Class: Senior
Notable: State champion in the 3,200-meter run, an event which she finished undefeated this season. She was also a member of the state 4x800-meter relay team.
Alexus Alston
School: St. James
Class: Junior
Notable:Qualified for state meet in four individual events, finishing second in the 400-meter hurdles, fifth in the 100-meter high hurdles and seventh in triple jump. Won four Region VII-AAA titles.
Ka’Mauri Humes
School: St. James
Class: Eighth grade
Notable: Finished seventh in 200 meters, setting a school record by crossing the finish line in 25.66 seconds. The eighth grader won the Region VII-AAA title in the event.
Melissa Jefferson
School: Carvers Bay
Class: Freshman
Notable: Won Class A title in both the 100- and 200-meter dash, in addition to being a member of the Carvers Bay’s Class A state champion 4x100-meter relay team.
Mary Butler DeSpain
School: Waccamaw
Class: Junior
Notable: Member of Waccamaw’s Class AA state title winning 4x800-meter relay team at state track meet, in addition to finishing second in the 800- meter event and sixth in the 1,600-meter run.
Bailey Johnson
School: Aynor
Class: Junior
Notable: Finished eighth in Class AA in 3,200-meter run, while running second in the event at the Class AA Lower State meet.
Anastashia Bromell
School: Carvers Bay
Class: Senior
Notable: Finished fifth in Class A in the triple jump, while finishing seventh in long jump.
Kayla Watkins
School: Carolina Forest
Class: Sophomore
Notable: Earned Region VI-AAAA title in 200 meters and long jump, and qualified for Lower State track meet in 200 meters, long jump and 4x100-meter relay.
Kenia Smith
School: Conway
Class: Sophomore
Notable: Region VI-AAAA champion in 3,200-meter run, and finished second at region meet in 1,600 meters.
Jada Porcher
School: Carvers Bay
Class: Sophomore
Notable: Finished second in high jump at Class A state meet.
Tyaisha Edwards
School: Conway
Class: Freshman
Notable: Finished fourth in Class AA in 200 meters and sixth in 100 meters with a season-best finish (12.15 seconds).
Jevelyn Cox
School: North Myrtle Beach
Class: Sophomore
Notable: Was a member of the Region VII-AAA champion 4x400-meter and 4x800-meter relay teams, along with finishing second in the shot put and 400 meters at the region track meet.
Jamisa Lewis
School: Waccamaw
Class: Sophomore
Notable: Finished sixth at Class AA state meet in shot put event.
Coach of the Year
Bill Peterman and Brian White
School: Waccamaw
Notable: Under their leadership, Waccamaw claimed the 2016 Class AA track and field title in Columbia last month.
This story was originally published June 22, 2016 at 5:22 PM with the headline "Arnold’s versatility proves key in Waccamaw run to state title."